German-Style Oktoberfest/Wiesn – European Origin Lager Styles

German-Style Oktoberfest/Wiesn Style

  • Color: Straw to gold
  • Clarity: Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Clean, sweet, bready malt profile is low to medium-low
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Very low to low
  • Perceived Bitterness: Very low to low and in balance with low sweet maltiness
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters and diacetyl should not be present
  • Body: Medium
  • Additional notes: Traditional Oktoberfest beers were brewed to original gravity at or above 13 ºPlato. Today, some examples are brewed to a lower original gravity.

German-Style Oktoberfest/Wiesn Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.048-1.056 (11.9-13.8 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.010-1.014 (2.6-3.6 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 4.0%-4.8% (5.1%-6.1%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 23-29
  • Color SRM (EBC) 3-5(6-10 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Lager Styles – European Origin Lager Styles – German-Style Oktoberfest/Wiesn